What would you do?
Ending homelessness in Baltimore is a big task. We want to make use of all our resources in the fight – and that includes you.
We’re asking you to share your ideas, and to read and vote in support of others’ ideas. The City and United Way of Central Maryland will monitor this site and may implement your suggestions as part of The Journey Home campaign.
Here are some of the ideas submitted by other members of your community. Vote and comment on those you like and they could be implemented as part of The Journey Home.
EDUCATION! JOB PLACEMENT! & put some of the homeless people in some of these abandoned & foreclosed homes! CREATE MORE WIN-WIN SITUATIONS!
59 Points
Instead of taxing developers in the city, require that they renovate x number of existing abandoned and foreclosed properties as low and no income housing, bringing house stock up to code. Very low rents on these properties could in turn be returned to the city to expand the pool of available housing
74 Points
Donate some of the thousands of vacant buildings, for free, to those committed to rehabbing and maintaining permanent housing for low income households. This will help the community by eliminating blight, creating investment properties for non-profits and helping people get safe and permanent housing.
29 Points
Create alternative job opportunities for people who may not be interested in a regular, full time (9-5) type positions. But ensure adequate incomes, as a stable job is the key to self sufficiency.
3 Points
Expand the availability of Service Coordinators / Resident Advocates for people in rental units. Helping people to connect to services PRIOR to homelessness is an excellent prevention strategy. State funding for this type of program (Service-Linked Housing) was cut be 50% in the last legislative session. Restore and expand.
63 Points
Mental illness can be a contributing factor to homelessness. I would recommend having mental health resources readily available, especially counseling services.
11 Points
Have a place where people can donate furniture in good condition for people moving into permanent housing.
17 Points
Affordable housing is the key to ending homelessness. We should train individuals who are able bodied in skills such as carpentry, electrical, plumbing and HVAC and hire them to rehab abandoned properties under the supervision of a licensed contractor. This will building job skills, create affordable housing opportunities and eliminate blight in our community.
28 Points
Collaborate with local sororities to create financial literacy programs or forums to teach the homeless how to save and plan for long term financial stability.
5 Points
I am a single mother of two children. I have been struggling since I was sixteen to work and take care of my family to the best of my ability. I need assistance to get and retain safe, decent, and affordable housing.
14 Points